Battery Pack Assembly Unit

This present application claims priority to and the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a)-(d) of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0171870, filed on Nov. 27, 2024, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The present disclosure relates to a battery pack assembly unit.

In general, unlike a primary battery that cannot be recharged, a secondary battery is a battery that can be recharged and discharged. A low-capacity secondary battery may be used for portable small-sized electronic devices, such as smartphones, feature phones, notebook computers, digital cameras, and camcorders, and a high-capacity secondary battery is widely used as a power source for driving a motor and a power storage battery in hybrid vehicles or electric vehicles. The secondary battery includes an electrode assembly including a positive electrode and a negative electrode, a case accommodating the electrode assembly, an electrode terminal connected to the electrode assembly, and the like.

The secondary battery may be used as a battery pack formed of a plurality of unit battery cells connected in series and/or parallel to provide high energy density. The battery pack may be formed by connecting electrode terminals of a plurality of unit batteries to one another to meet a required amount of power and to implement a high-power secondary battery of, for example, an electric vehicle.

The battery pack may be manufactured through a plurality of assembly and inspection processes, and the assembly and inspection of the battery pack may be performed while transporting a pallet along a production line to each process position. There has been an increasing demand for the production of battery packs for a wider range of models, but there is a problem in that battery pack production lines are limited.

The herein-described information disclosed in the technology that forms the background of the present disclosure is only intended to improve understanding of the background of the present disclosure, and thus may include information that does not constitute the related art.

The present disclosure is directed to providing a battery pack assembly unit capable of manufacturing battery packs of different models on a single battery pack production line.

These and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will be described in or will be apparent from the following description of some embodiments of the present disclosure.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a battery pack assembly unit including a pallet including a plate configured to support components of one or more battery packs, and one or more support fixtures configured to constrain the components from moving, a transfer conveyor configured to transport the pallet, and a support fixture moving device disposed above the transfer conveyor and configured to change positions of the one or more support fixtures based on a shape and a size of each of the components.

Each of the battery packs may include a housing seated on the pallet, and one or more battery cells accommodated in the housing, and the component may include the housing.

The plate may include a plate body loaded on the transfer conveyor, a plurality of installation bases which are installed on an upper surface of the plate body, and to which the one or more support fixtures are detachably coupled.

Each of the installation bases may include an installation base body disposed on the upper surface of the plate body, a fastening groove formed in the installation base body and having a female screw structure that allows the support fixture to be screwed, and fixing members disposed on both sides of the fastening groove and configured to fix the installation base body to the plate body.

The pallet may include a first region on which a first component included in a first battery pack is seated, a second region on which a second component included in a second battery pack is seated, and a third region shared by a portion of the first region and a portion of the second region, and the one or more support fixtures may include one or more first support fixtures disposed in the third region and configured to support the first component, and one or more second support fixtures configured to support the second component.

The installation bases may include one or more first installation bases to which the one or more first support fixtures are detachably fastened, and which are positioned in the first region, at least one first installation base being positioned in the third region, one or more second installation bases to which the one or more second support fixtures are detachably fastened, and which are positioned in the second region, and one or more third installation bases to which the one or more first support fixtures are detachably fastened, and which are positioned outside the second region, and the one ore more first support fixtures are fastened to the first installation bases when the first component is assembled, and are unfastened from the first installation bases and then fastened to the third installation bases by the support fixture moving device when the second component is assembled.

The first component may have a width greater than half a width of the plate and one first component may be placed on the pallet, the second component may have a width less than half the width of the plate and a plurality of second components may be placed on the pallet, the one or more first support fixtures may be disposed to correspond to edges of the first component, and the one or more second support fixtures may be disposed to correspond to edges of the second component.

One or more of the second support fixtures may be disposed in the third region, and each of the second support fixtures disposed in the third region may have a shorter length than each of the first support fixtures to prevent interference with the first component when the first component is in contact with the first support fixtures.

The installation bases may include a first group formed by arranging the plurality of second installation bases at a first position along one of the edges of at least one of the first component and the second component, and a second group formed by arranging the plurality of second installation bases at a second position, which is spaced apart from the first position, along one of the edges of at least one of the first component and the second component, and each second support fixture may be fastened to one of the plurality of second installation bases, which form the first group when the second component is assembled, and moved to another one of the plurality of second installation bases, which form the first group, and fastened thereto by the support fixture moving device when a third component included in a third battery pack is assembled.

Each of the support fixtures may include a support bar disposed to protrude upwardly from the plate, a fastening portion formed at a lower portion of the support bar, having a male screw structure, and detachably screwed onto the plate, and a holding portion formed at an upper part of the support bar and configured to engage with the support fixture moving device.

The holding portion may include a rotation holding portion having a cross-sectional shape other than a circular cross-sectional shape and configured to engage with a fastening device of the support fixture moving device, a grip holding portion disposed below the rotation holding portion, formed to be recessed along a circumference of the support fixture, and held by a gripper device of the support fixture moving device, and a locking step which is formed between the rotation holding portion and the grip holding portion, and on which the gripper device of the support fixture moving device is caught.

The support fixture moving device may include a fastening device configured to fasten or unfasten the support fixtures to or from the plate, a gripper device configured to clamp or unclamp the support fixtures, a moving device configured to move the support fixture gripped by the gripper device to a first set position or a second set position on the pallet, and a control device configured to control an operation of each of the fastening device, the gripper device, and the moving device.

The fastening device may include a first support installed on the moving device, a first actuator fixed to the first support and configured to output a rotational force, and a socket connected to the first actuator and configured to engage with the support fixture when the fastening device descends.

The gripper device may include a second support installed on the moving device, a second actuator fixed to the second support and configured to output a hydraulic or pneumatic pressure, a guide block installed on the second support, a first gripper installed on the guide block, and a second gripper disposed on the guide block to face the first gripper, with a distance from the first gripper variable by an operation of the second actuator.

The first gripper may include a block connection portion installed on the guide block to be reciprocally movable in a direction toward or away from the second gripper, an extension portion extending downwardly from the block connection portion to a lower side of the socket, and a gripping finger connected to the extension portion, positioned below the socket to face the support fixture, and having an arcuate shape, which corresponds to a circumference of the support fixture, on one surface facing the support fixture.

The support fixture moving device may further include a detection device configured to detect a position of the support fixture mounted on the pallet, and the control device may control the operation of each of the fastening device, the gripper device, and the moving device based on detection information from the detection device.

The moving device may include a guide bar formed to extend in a first direction, a first moving body formed to extend in a second direction and installed on the guide bar to be movable in the first direction, a second moving body formed to extend in a third direction and installed on the first moving body to be movable in the second direction, and a third moving body which is installed on the second moving body to be movable up and down in the third direction, and on which the fastening device, the gripper device, and the detection device are installed.

The third moving body may include an elevating body installed on the second moving body to be movable up and down in the third direction, a first rail which is formed on the elevating body, and on which the detection device is installed to be movable up and down, and a second rail which is disposed parallel to the first rail, and on which the fastening device and the gripper device are installed to be movable up and down.

The control device, upon detecting through the detection device that the support fixture is positioned at the first set position, may control the fastening device, the gripper device, and the moving device to unfasten the support fixture at the first set position, move the support fixture to the second set position, and fasten the support fixture at the second set position.

The control device may perform control to sequentially perform a first moving operation of positioning the detection device at the first set position, a first descending operation of lowering the detection device along the first rail to position the detection device below the gripper device, and lowering the third moving body while the detection device remains positioned below the gripper device, a support fixture detection operation of detecting the support fixture using the detection device, a first ascending operation of raising and returning the detection device along the first rail, a device exchange operation of moving the fastening device and the gripper device to position the fastening device and the gripper device at the first set position, a second descending operation of lowering the fastening device and the gripper device along the second rail to position the fastening device and the gripper device below the detection device, and lowering the third moving body while the fastening device and the gripper device remain positioned below the detection device, an unfastening operation of applying a rotational force to the support fixture using the fastening device to unfasten the support fixture from the plate, a clamping operation of clamping the support fixture using the gripper device, a second ascending operation of raising the third moving body and moving the gripper device upwardly along the second rail, a second moving operation of moving the support fixture to the second set position, a third descending operation of lowering the fastening device and the gripper device along the second rail to position the fastening device and the gripper device below the detection device, and lowering the third moving body while the fastening device and the gripper device remain positioned below the detection device, an unclamping operation of unclamping the support fixture, and a fastening operation of applying a rotational force to the support fixture using the fastening device to fasten the support fixture to the plate.

Herein, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described, in further detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as being limited to the usual or dictionary meaning and should be interpreted as meaning and concept consistent with the technical idea of the present disclosure based on the principle that the inventor can be his/her own lexicographer to appropriately define the concept of the term.

The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are provided as some example embodiments of the present disclosure and do not represent all of the technical ideas, aspects, and features of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is to be understood that there may be various equivalents and modifications that may replace or modify the embodiments described herein at the time of filing this application.

It is to be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, connected, or coupled to the other element or layer or one or more intervening elements or layers may also be present. When an element or layer is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. For example, when a first element is described as being “coupled” or “connected” to a second element, the first element may be directly coupled or connected to the second element or the first element may be indirectly coupled or connected to the second element via one or more intervening elements.

In the figures, dimensions of the various elements, layers, etc. may be exaggerated for clarity of illustration. The same reference numerals designate the same or like elements. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Further, the use of “may” when describing embodiments of the present disclosure relates to “one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.” Expressions, such as “at least one of” and “any one of,” when preceding a list of elements, modify the entire list of elements and do not modify the individual elements of the list. When phrases such as “at least one of A, B, and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “at least one selected from a group of A, B, and C,” or “at least one selected from among A, B, and C” are used to designate a list of elements A, B, and C, the phrase may refer to any and all suitable combinations or a subset of A, B, and C, such as A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. As used herein, the terms “use,” “using,” and “used” may be considered synonymous with the terms “utilize,” “utilizing,” and “utilized,” respectively. As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “about,” and similar terms are used as terms of approximation and not as terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent variations in measured or calculated values that would be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art.

It is to be understood that, although the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another element, component, region, layer, or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed herein could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It is to be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” or “over” the other elements or features. Thus, the term “below” may encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a” and “an” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It is to be further understood that the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Also, any numerical range disclosed and/or recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges of the same numerical precision subsumed within the recited range. For example, a range of “1.0 to 10.0” is intended to include all subranges between (and including) the recited minimum value of 1.0 and the recited maximum value of 10.0, that is, having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, such as, for example, 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limitation recited herein is intended to include all lower numerical limitations subsumed therein, and any minimum numerical limitation recited in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limitations subsumed therein. Accordingly, Applicant reserves the right to amend this specification, including the claims, to expressly recite any sub-range subsumed within the ranges expressly recited herein.

References to two compared elements, features, etc. as being “the same” may mean that they are “substantially the same.” Thus, the phrase “substantially the same” may include a case having a deviation that is considered low in the art, for example, a deviation of 5% or less. In addition, when a certain parameter is referred to as being uniform in a given region, it may mean that it is uniform in terms of an average.

Throughout the specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be singular or plural.

When an arbitrary element is referred to as being arranged (or located or positioned) on the “above (or below)” or “on (or under)” a component, it may mean that the arbitrary element is placed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of the component and may also mean that another component may be interposed between the component and any arbitrary element arranged (or located or positioned) on (or under) the component.

In addition, it is to be understood that when an element is referred to as being “coupled,” “linked,” or “connected” to another element, the elements may be directly “coupled,” “linked,” or “connected” to one another, or one or more intervening elements may be present therebetween, through which the element may be “coupled,” “linked,” or “connected” to another element. In addition, when a part is referred to as being “electrically coupled” to another part, the part may be directly electrically connected to another part or one or more intervening parts may be present therebetween such that the part and the another part are indirectly electrically connected to one another.

Throughout the specification, when “A and/or B” is stated, it means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise stated. That is, “and/or” includes any or all combinations of a plurality of items enumerated. When “C to D” is stated, it means C or more and D or less, unless otherwise specified.

The terms used in the present specification are for describing embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

1 FIG. is a perspective view schematically illustrating a battery pack assembly unit according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

1 FIG. 1 10 20 30 Referring to, a battery pack assembly unitaccording to embodiments of the present disclosure includes a pallet, a transfer conveyor, and a support fixture moving device.

10 3 2 10 11 3 2 17 3 The palletprovides a base on which componentsof a battery packto be assembled can be loaded and mounted. The palletincludes a platethat supports the componentsof the battery packfrom herein, and one or more support fixturesthat constrain the movement of the components.

20 10 20 10 20 20 11 10 20 The transfer conveyortransports the pallet. The transfer conveyormay have a conveyor structure. The palletmay be seated and loaded on the transfer conveyorand transported in an extending direction of the transfer conveyor(e.g., forward). The plateof the palletmay have a shape that can be seated on the transfer conveyor.

20 21 22 21 11 20 22 11 21 20 For example, the transfer conveyormay have a structure in which a pair of transfer railsextend in parallel, and rotating rollers, which are rotated in conjunction with a motor (not shown), may be arranged to be exposed upwardly on upper portions of the transfer rails. The platecan be transported forward along the transfer conveyorin conjunction with the rotation of the rotating rollers, while both side portions of the plateare seated on the transfer railsof the transfer conveyor.

30 20 17 3 17 30 3 17 3 10 3 10 The support fixture moving deviceis disposed above the transfer conveyorand adjusts positions of the support fixturesaccording to the shape and size of the component. The positions of the support fixturescan be changed by the support fixture moving deviceaccording to the shape and size of the component. By changing the positions of the support fixturesas described herein, it is possible not only to load and mount the componentwith a first shape and a first size onto the pallet, but also to load and mount the componentwith a shape and a size, at least one of which is different from the first shape and size, onto the pallet.

2 FIG. is a main part exploded perspective view schematically illustrating an example of a battery pack to be assembled by the battery pack assembly unit according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

2 FIG. 2 1 4 5 Referring to, the battery packto be assembled by the battery pack assembly unitaccording to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a housingand a battery cell.

4 10 4 5 4 5 4 4 The housingmay have a shape that can be seated on the pallet. The housingmay have the form of a container capable of accommodating one or more battery cells. The housingmay have a shape with an open top, and the battery cellsmay be inserted and accommodated into the housingthrough the open top of the housing.

5 4 5 2 5 5 The battery cellsmay be accommodated in the housing. The battery cellmay function as a unit structure, which stores and supplies power, in the battery pack. Hereinafter, a case in which the battery cellis a lithium-ion secondary battery having a prismatic shape will be described as an example. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the battery cellmay be a lithium polymer battery or a cylindrical battery.

5 Although a can (not referenced in the drawing) of the battery cellis illustrated in the drawings as having a prismatic shape, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the can may be formed in various shapes such as a circular shape, a pouch shape, and the like. In addition, the battery can may be made of a metal such as aluminum, an aluminum alloy, nickel-plated steel, or a laminate film or plastic forming a pouch.

2 5 4 6 5 3 Although not shown in the drawings, the battery packmay include a bus bar assembly that electrically connects a plurality of battery cells, an insulating material, a heat-insulating material, a cooling device, and various electrical components for controlling these devices. The housingmay further include a coverthat closes the open top after the battery cellsand other componentsare accommodated and assembled therein.

4 3 2 3 2 3 2 3 10 4 3 2 4 4 10 The housingis positioned at the lowermost part among the componentsconstituting the battery packand may have the largest size among the componentsconstituting the battery pack. Among the componentsof the battery pack, the componentthat is first loaded and mounted onto the palletmay be the housing. The other componentsof the battery packmay be assembled onto the housingwhile the housingis loaded on the pallet.

4 10 4 11 17 4 11 11 17 The housingmay be seated on the pallet. The housingmay be seated on the plateand may come into contact with a plurality of support fixtures, thereby being constrained from horizontal movement. The housingmay be in contact with an upper surface of the plateor may be disposed to be raised at a predetermined height above the upper surface of the platedepending on the length and arrangement of the support fixtures.

17 4 17 4 10 17 4 4 17 A groove (not shown) having a shape corresponding to at least a portion of the support fixturemay be formed on the housingat a position corresponding to the support fixture. When the housingis seated on the pallet, the support fixturemay be fitted into the groove of the housing, and the housingmay be constrained from moving by being engaged with the support fixturefitted into the groove.

17 4 4 10 17 17 A groove (not shown) having a shape corresponding to an upper portion of the support fixturemay be formed on a flange portion (not referenced in the drawing), which is formed to protrude laterally from a lower portion or an edge of the housing. The groove may be formed to be recessed upwardly on a bottom surface of the housingor on a bottom surface of the flange portion, which faces the pallet. When the upper portion of the support fixturehas a polygonal cross-sectional shape, the groove may have a corresponding polygonal cross-sectional shape. When the upper portion of the support fixturehas a stepped shape or an inclined surface that narrows in width upwardly, the groove may have a corresponding stepped or inclined cross-sectional shape.

2 2 2 2 3 2 3 2 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 9 11 13 FIGS.,, and In the description of the present disclosure, battery packswith different specifications will be distinguished and named as a first battery packA, a second battery packB, and a third battery packC, (see). In addition, the componentprovided in the first battery packA, the componentprovided in the second battery packB, and the componentprovided in the third battery packC will be distinguished and named as a first componentA, a second componentB, and a third componentC, respectively. The first componentA, the second componentB, and the third componentC may have different sizes or shapes from one another.

1 FIG. 17 10 30 10 20 30 10 10 20 Referring to, a position at which a process of changing the positions of the support fixturesprovided on the palletis performed by the support fixture moving devicemay be named as a first process position. The palletmay be transported by the transfer conveyorfrom the first process position, at which the support fixture moving deviceis installed, to a next second process position (not shown), at which another assembly process is performed. At the second process position, the palletmay be stopped, and after an assembly or inspection process performed at the second process position is completed, the palletmay be transported again along the transfer conveyorto a next third process position (not shown).

10 2 20 2 2 2 The palletmay sequentially pass through various process positions for assembling and inspecting the battery packwhile being transported along the transfer conveyoras described herein, and may return to the first process position again. One first battery packA may be manufactured through this cycle, and a plurality of first battery packsA may be manufactured by repeating this cycle multiple times. The plurality of first battery packsA may be manufactured through a single cycle, depending on their size.

2 2 10 17 30 10 2 20 2 2 2 Thereafter, when manufacturing the second battery packB with specifications different from those of the first battery packA, the palletmay be transported to the next second process position after the positions of the support fixturesare adjusted by the support fixture moving deviceat the first process position. Thereafter, the palletmay pass through various process positions for assembling and inspecting the battery packwhile being transported along the transfer conveyor, and may return to the first process position again. One second battery packB may be manufactured through this cycle, and a plurality of second battery packsB may be manufactured by repeating this cycle multiple times. The plurality of second battery packsB may be manufactured through a single cycle, depending on their size.

3 FIG. 4 FIG. is a perspective view schematically illustrating the pallet according to embodiments of the present disclosure, andis a main part exploded perspective view schematically illustrating the support fixture and an installation base according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

3 4 FIGS.and 11 12 13 Referring to, the plateaccording to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a plate bodyand an installation base.

12 20 12 12 21 20 12 2 3 2 The plate bodymay have a panel shape that may be loaded onto the transfer conveyor. The plate bodymay have a rectangular panel shape, and left and right side portions of the plate bodymay be seated on the pair of transfer railsprovided on the transfer conveyor. The plate bodymay have a rigidity capable of supporting the weight of the battery packand the load acting on the componentduring the assembly and inspection of the battery pack.

13 17 13 12 13 131 132 133 The installation baseis a device component to which the support fixturesmay be detachably coupled, and a plurality of installation basesmay be coupled to an upper surface of the plate body. The installation basemay include an installation base body, a fastening groove, and a fixing member.

131 17 12 131 131 132 133 131 132 The installation base bodymay have a small block shape capable of fastening and supporting the support fixtureand may be disposed on the upper surface of the plate body. The installation base bodymay have a rectangular or elliptical cross-sectional shape. The installation base bodymay have a lateral width that allows the fastening grooveand a pair of fixing membersto be disposed in a line. The installation base bodymay have a vertical height (thickness) that allows the fastening grooveto be formed at a predetermined depth.

132 17 131 172 17 132 132 131 131 The fastening grooveis a device component to which the support fixtureis screwed, and may be formed to be recessed at a central portion of the installation base body. A lower portion (a fastening portion) of the support fixturemay have a male screw structure, and an inner surface of the fastening groovemay have a corresponding female screw structure. The fastening groovemay be formed on an upper portion of the installation base bodyto be recessed downwardly, or may be formed to vertically pass through the installation base body.

133 131 12 133 12 131 133 131 133 132 The fixing memberfixes the installation base bodyto the plate body. The fixing memberhas a bolt structure, and may be fastened and fixed to the plate bodyby passing through the installation base body. The pair of fixing membersmay be provided to respectively fix one side portion and the other side portion of the installation base bodyin a width direction. The pair of fixing membersmay be disposed on both sides of the fastening groove.

3 4 FIGS.and 17 171 172 173 Referring to, the support fixtureaccording to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a support bar, the fastening portion, and a holding portion.

171 11 171 3 171 The support barhas a rod shape, and may be disposed to protrude upwardly from the plate. The support barmay have various lengths and cross-sectional shapes depending on the size and shape of the componentto be supported. The support barmay have a rod shape with an overall circular cross-section.

172 13 171 172 132 13 171 11 172 132 The fastening portionis a device component fastened to the installation base, and may be integrally formed with a lower portion of the support bar. The fastening portionhas a male screw structure, and may be detachably screwed to the fastening grooveof the installation base. The support barmay be installed and fixed in a shape protruding upwardly from an upper portion of the plate, with the fastening portionfastened to the fastening groove.

17 132 13 172 17 13 17 13 17 172 132 132 17 13 The support fixturemay be screwed to the fastening grooveof the installation basevia the fastening portion. Accordingly, the fastened state between the support fixtureand the installation basecan be released by rotating the support fixture, which is in the fastened state with the installation base, in a reverse direction (e.g., a counterclockwise direction). When the support fixtureis rotated in the reverse direction, the fastening portiongradually moves upwardly in the fastening grooveand eventually reaches an upper end of the fastening groove, thereby releasing the fastened state between the support fixtureand the installation base.

17 13 13 172 132 172 132 Further, the support fixturecan be fastened to the installation baseby being seated on an upper portion of the installation baseand rotated in a forward direction (e.g., a clockwise direction). When the fastening portionis rotated in the forward direction while positioned in contact with an upper portion of the fastening groove, the fastening portionmay gradually descend along female threads of the fastening grooveand be fastened to a predetermined depth.

173 31 32 30 171 173 174 175 176 The holding portionis a device component in contact with a fastening deviceand a gripper device(to be described herein) of the support fixture moving device, and may be integrally formed with an upper portion of the support bar. The holding portionmay include a rotation holding portion, a grip holding portion, and a locking step.

174 31 174 31 31 174 31 17 174 The rotation holding portionis a device component that engages with the fastening deviceand has a cross-sectional shape other than a circular cross-sectional shape. The rotation holding portionmay have a polygonal cross-sectional shape and may receive a rotational force output from the fastening devicewhile being engaged with the fastening device. As the rotation holding portionhas a cross-sectional shape other than a circular cross-sectional shape, the rotational force output from the fastening devicecan be transmitted to the support fixturethrough the rotation holding portionwithout loss.

175 174 32 171 175 171 176 174 175 175 175 174 176 174 175 The grip holding portiondisposed below the rotation holding portionis a device component held by the gripper device, and may be formed to be recessed along a circumference of the support bar. As the grip holding portionis formed to be recessed along the circumference of the support bar, the locking stepmay be formed between the rotation holding portionand the grip holding portion. The grip holding portionmay have a circular cross-sectional shape. As the grip holding portionhas a circular cross-sectional shape, and the rotation holding portionhas a polygonal cross-sectional shape, the locking stepcan be formed between the rotation holding portionand the grip holding portion.

175 327 32 327 176 175 327 176 17 327 17 32 32 In a state in which the grip holding portionis clamped by a gripping finger(to be described herein) of the gripper device, an upper portion of the gripping fingermay be caught by the locking step. In other words, in a state in which the grip holding portionis clamped by the gripping finger, the locking stepof the support fixturemay be seated over the upper portion of the gripping finger. Accordingly, the support fixturecan be constrained and prevented from sliding downwardly or separating from the gripper devicewhile being clamped and moved by the gripper device.

5 FIG. is a plan view schematically illustrating the pallet according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

5 FIG. 10 1 3 2 2 3 2 3 1 2 Referring to, the palletaccording to the present disclosure may include a first region seon which the first componentA of the first battery packA is seated, a second region seon which the second componentB of the second battery packB is seated, and a third region seshared by a portion of the first region seand a portion of the second region se.

13 1 2 3 13 14 15 16 1 2 3 17 14 15 16 The plurality of installation basesmay be disposed in a distributed manner across the first region se, the second region se, and the third region se. The installation basesmay be classified as a first installation base, a second installation base, and a third installation basedepending on the region of installation among the plurality of regions, including the first region se, the second region se, and the third region se. Each of the plurality of support fixturesmay be selectively coupled to the first installation base, the second installation base, and the third installation base.

14 1 14 1 14 3 15 2 15 2 15 3 16 2 16 2 1 One or more first installation basesmay be disposed in the first region se. The first installation basesmay be disposed in the first region se, one or more first installation basesbeing positioned in the third region se. One or more second installation basesmay be disposed in the second region se. The second installation basesmay be disposed in the second region se, one or more second installation basesbeing positioned in the third region se. One or more third installation basesmay be disposed outside the second region se. The third installation basesare disposed outside the second region se, and may be disposed in the first region se.

17 18 19 17 3 3 17 18 3 19 3 The support fixturesmay be classified as a first support fixtureand a second support fixture, depending on whether the support fixturesupports the first componentA or the second componentB. The support fixturesmay be classified as the first support fixtureconfigured to support the first componentA, and the second support fixtureconfigured to support the second componentB.

3 FIG. 18 19 3 3 18 19 19 18 19 3 3 18 Referring to, the first support fixtureand the second support fixturemay have different lengths or shapes. When the first componentA has a larger volume and width than the second componentB has, the first support fixturemay have a longer length than the second support fixturehas. For example, the second support fixturemay have a shorter length than the first support fixturehas to the extent that the second support fixturedoes not interfere with the first componentA when the first componentA is in contact with the first support fixture.

6 FIG. 7 FIG. 8 FIG. is a conceptual diagram illustrating the first region of the pallet according to embodiments of the present disclosure,is a conceptual diagram illustrating the second region of the pallet according to embodiments of the present disclosure, andis a conceptual diagram illustrating the first region, the second region, and the third region of the pallet according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

18 19 18 19 13 6 8 FIGS.to To make it easier to distinguish between the first support fixturesand the second support fixtures, in, the first support fixturesare represented by O, the second support fixturesare represented by o, and the installation basesare omitted.

6 8 FIGS.and 3 11 3 10 3 1 3 18 1 Referring to, the first componentA may have a width greater than half a width of the plate. The first componentA may be placed at a central portion of the pallet. A region in which the first componentA is placed may be set as the first region se. The first componentA may be supported by a plurality of first support fixturesdisposed in the first region se.

18 3 18 3 18 3 At this time, some of the plurality of first support fixturesmay be positioned in the third region se. Further, the first support fixturesmay also be disposed at positions corresponding to edges of the first componentA. At least some of the plurality of first support fixturesmay be positioned to correspond to corners of the first componentA.

7 8 FIGS.and 3 11 3 10 3 20 3 2 3 19 2 Referring to, the second componentB may have a width smaller than half the width of the plate. A plurality of second componentsB may be placed on the pallet. Two second componentsB may be placed in parallel in a direction in which the transfer conveyoris transported (e.g., in a front-rear direction). A region in which the second componentB is placed may be set as the second region se. The second componentB may be supported by a plurality of second support fixturesdisposed in the second region se.

19 3 19 3 19 3 At this time, some of the plurality of second support fixturesmay be positioned in the third region se. Further, the second support fixturesmay be disposed at positions corresponding to edges of the second componentB. At least some of the plurality of second support fixturesmay be positioned to correspond to corners of the second componentB.

9 FIG. is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the first component is seated on the first region of the pallet according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

2 30 18 1 10 18 3 3 6 FIGS.and 8 FIG. During the manufacturing of the first battery packA, at the first process position in which the support fixture moving deviceis installed, the plurality of first support fixturesmay be positioned in the first region seof the pallet, as shown in. At this time, as shown in, some of the first support fixturesmay be positioned in the third region se.

10 20 10 3 10 18 3 4 2 18 17 3 3 9 FIG. Thereafter, the palletmay be transported to the second process position by the transfer conveyor. When the palletreaches the second process position, the first componentA may be loaded onto the palletas indicated by a dash-double dotted line in, and may come into contact with the plurality of first support fixturesto constrain its movement in a horizontal direction (in front-back and left-right directions). The first componentA may be the housingof the first battery packA. In this case, the plurality of first support fixtures, among the plurality of support fixtures, may effectively perform the function of coming into contact with the first componentA and constraining the movement of the first componentA.

3 1 19 19 3 3 19 18 3 3 18 3 19 3 In a state in which the first componentA is positioned in the first region seas described herein, among the plurality of second support fixtures, the second support fixturesthat are disposed in the third region semay be positioned below the first componentA. At this time, the second support fixturemay be shorter in length than the first support fixtureso as not to interfere with the first componentA. In a state in which the first componentA is in contact with and supported by the first support fixtures, a bottom surface of the first componentA may be elevated above the second support fixturesdisposed in the third region se.

3 18 3 19 3 19 19 18 19 3 1 3 In addition, in a state in which flange portions formed on front and rear portions of the first componentA are in contact with and supported by the first support fixtures, the bottom surface of the first componentA, which is positioned below the flange portions, may come into contact with the second support fixturesdisposed in the third region seand may be held and supported by the second support fixtures. By forming the second support fixtureshorter in length than the first support fixtureas described herein, the process of moving the second support fixturesdisposed in the third region seto the outside of the first region seduring the assembly of the first componentA can be omitted.

3 11 18 3 18 3 18 3 18 3 18 8 9 FIGS.and The first componentA may have a rectangular parallelepiped box shape and may have a width greater than half the width of the plate. The plurality of first support fixturesmay be arranged along the front and rear portions of the first componentA. Referring to, three first support fixturesmay be in contact with the front portion of the first componentA, and three first support fixturesmay be in contact with the rear portion of the first componentA. By coming into contact with the plurality of first support fixturesat multiple points as described herein, the first componentA can be supported by the first support fixtureswhile simultaneously being constrained in its movement.

3 18 18 3 18 A groove may be formed on a portion of the first componentA, which is in contact with the first support fixture, and an upper portion of the first support fixturemay be inserted into the groove. The first componentA may be constrained in its horizontal movement by being caught on the first support fixturesfitted into the groove.

9 FIG. 19 3 3 1 3 18 3 19 19 3 19 19 3 18 19 Referring to, four second support fixturesmay be positioned in the third region se, and when the first componentA is positioned in the first region se, the edges of the first componentA may be supported by six first support fixtures, and simultaneously, the rectangular bottom surface of the first componentA may be supported by the four second support fixtures. At this time, a groove corresponding in shape to an upper portion of the second support fixturemay be formed in the portion of the first componentA that comes into contact with the second support fixture, and the second support fixturemay be inserted into the groove. The first componentA may be constrained in its horizontal movement by being caught on the first support fixtureand the second support fixturefitted into the groove.

3 10 10 20 10 5 3 2 9 FIG. Thereafter, with the first componentA loaded on the pallet, the palletmay be transported to the third process position by the transfer conveyor. When the palletreaches the third process position, a plurality of battery cellsmay be accommodated and assembled to the first componentA, as depicted by the dash-double dotted line in. Thereafter, the first battery packA may undergo further assembly processes to be manufactured and completed.

10 FIG. 11 FIG. is a perspective view schematically illustrating another example of the plate according to embodiments of the present disclosure, andis a perspective view illustrating a state in which the second component is seated on the second region of the pallet according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

18 3 2 10 2 30 18 14 3 2 16 2 Thereafter, the plurality of first support fixturespositioned in the third region seduring the manufacture of the second battery packB using the same palletmay be moved outside the second region seat the first process position in which the support fixture moving deviceis installed. The plurality of first support fixtures, which were coupled to the first installation baseon the third region seduring the manufacture of the first battery packA, may be repositioned and coupled to the third installation baseduring the manufacture of the second battery packB.

18 14 14 16 30 3 6 FIGS.and 7 10 FIGS.and At this time, the plurality of first support fixtures, which were fastened to the first installation basesas shown in, may be unfastened from the first installation basesand then moved toward and fastened to the third installation basesby the support fixture moving device, as shown in.

10 20 10 3 10 19 3 4 2 19 17 3 3 11 FIG. Thereafter, the palletmay be transported to the second process position by the transfer conveyor. When the palletreaches the second process position, the second componentB may be loaded onto the palletas indicated by a dash-double dotted line in, and may come into contact with the plurality of second support fixturesto constrain its movement in the horizontal direction (in the front-back and left-right directions). The second componentB may be the housingof the second battery packB. In this case, the plurality of second support fixtures, among the plurality of support fixtures, may effectively perform the function of coming into contact with the second componentB and constraining the movement of the second componentB.

3 11 3 10 3 19 3 The second componentB may have a rectangular parallelepiped box shape, with a width smaller than half of the width of the plate, and two second componentsB may be placed on the pallet. The two second componentsB may be placed to be spaced apart from one another in the front-rear direction. The plurality of second support fixturesmay be disposed at positions corresponding to corners of the second componentsB.

8 11 FIGS.and 19 3 19 3 19 3 19 Referring to, four second support fixturesmay be respectively in contact with the corners of one second componentB, and four second support fixturesmay be respectively in contact with the corners of another second componentB. By coming into contact with the plurality of second support fixturesat multiple points as described herein, the two second componentsB may be supported by the second support fixtureswhile simultaneously being constrained in their movement.

3 19 19 3 19 A groove may be formed in a portion of the second componentB, which is in contact with the second support fixture, and the upper portion of the second support fixturemay be inserted into the groove. The second componentsB may be constrained in their horizontal movement by being caught on the second support fixturesfitted into the groove.

3 10 10 20 10 5 3 2 11 FIG. Subsequently, with the second componentB loaded on the pallet, the palletmay be transported to the third process position by the transfer conveyor. When the palletreaches the third process position, the plurality of battery cellsmay be accommodated and assembled in the second componentB as indicated by the dash-double dotted line in. Thereafter, the second battery packB may undergo further assembly processes to be manufactured and completed.

12 FIG. 13 FIG. is a perspective view schematically illustrating still another example of the plate according to embodiments of the present disclosure, andis a perspective view illustrating a state in which the third component is seated on the second region of the pallet according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

8 FIG. 13 1 1 2 1 2 13 1 2 13 3 3 Referring to, some of the plurality of installation basesmay be densely disposed within a group setting distance dto form groups gand g. The groups gand gof the installation basesmay be formed as one group or as a plurality of groups in the first region and the second region. The groups gand gof the installation basesmay be formed at positions corresponding to the edges of the first componentA and may also be formed at positions corresponding to the edges of the second componentB.

13 1 2 1 15 1 1 3 2 15 1 2 3 As an example, the installation basesmay be arranged to form a first group gand a second group g. The first group gmay be formed by arranging a plurality of second installation baseswithin the group setting distance don a first position P, which is one of the corners of the second componentB. The second group gmay be formed by arranging a plurality of second installation baseswithin the group setting distance don a second position P, which is another one of the corners of the second componentB.

1 13 2 13 1 2 1 The first group gmay be formed by arranging two installation basesin parallel in the left-right direction. The second group gmay be formed by arranging two installation basesin parallel in the left-right direction. A separation distance between the first position Pand the second position Pmay be greater than the group setting distance d.

2 19 15 1 19 15 2 2 19 15 1 30 19 15 2 When manufacturing the second battery packB, the second support fixturemay be fastened to one of the plurality of second installation basesthat form the first group g. In addition, the second support fixturemay be fastened to one of the plurality of second installation basesthat form the second group g. When manufacturing the third battery packC, the second support fixturemay be moved to another one of the plurality of second installation basesforming the first group gand fastened thereto by the support fixture moving device. In addition, the second support fixturemay be moved and fastened to another one of the plurality of second installation basesthat form the second group g.

2 2 11 3 3 10 3 3 10 When the second battery packB and the third battery packC each have a width smaller than half of the width of the plate, two or more second componentsB or third componentsC may be loaded on the pallet. In addition, one or more second componentsB and one or more third componentsC may be loaded together on the pallet.

3 3 3 3 3 The third componentC may have a shape or size different from that of the second componentB. For example, the third componentC may have the same rectangular parallelepiped shape as the second componentB while having a smaller front-rear width than the second componentB.

3 3 2 10 19 15 1 15 10 19 15 2 15 10 10 11 FIGS.and In a case in which the second componentB has a larger left-right width than the third componentC, when manufacturing the plurality of second battery packsB using one pallet, the second support fixturemay be fastened to the second installation basewithin the first group g, as shown in, the second installation basebeing relatively closer to a left or right edge of the pallet. In addition, the second support fixturemay be fastened to the second installation basewithin the second group g, the second installation basebeing relatively close to the left or right edge of the pallet.

2 2 10 2 19 15 1 30 15 10 19 15 2 15 10 19 1 2 12 13 FIGS.and When simultaneously manufacturing the second battery packB and the third battery packC using the same palletafter manufacturing the second battery packB, the second support fixturemay be moved to the second installation basewithin the first group gand fastened thereto by the support fixture moving device, as shown in, the second installation basebeing relatively spaced apart from the left or right edge of the pallet. In addition, the second support fixturemay be moved and fastened to the second installation basewithin the second group g, the second installation basebeing relatively spaced apart from the left or right edge of the pallet. Accordingly, a left-right distance between the second support fixturespositioned at the first position Pand the second position Pmay be further reduced.

10 20 10 3 3 10 19 3 19 1 2 3 4 2 3 4 2 13 FIG. Thereafter, the palletmay be transported to the second process position by the transfer conveyor. When the palletreaches the second process position, the second componentB and the third componentC may be loaded onto the palletas indicated by a dash-double dotted line in, and may come into contact with the plurality of second support fixturesto constrain their movement in the horizontal direction (in the front-back and left-right directions). At this time, the third componentC may come into contact with the second support fixturespositioned at the first position Pand the second position P. The second componentB may be the housingof the second battery packB, and the third componentC may be the housingof the third battery packC.

3 11 10 3 3 10 19 3 3 The second componentB may have a rectangular parallelepiped box shape, with a width smaller than half of the width of the plate, and may be placed on the rear portion of the pallet. The third componentC may have a rectangular parallelepiped box shape, with a smaller width than the second componentB, and may be placed on the front portion of the pallet. The plurality of second support fixturesmay be disposed at positions corresponding to corners of each of the second componentB and the third componentC.

19 3 19 3 19 3 3 19 Four second support fixturesmay be respectively in contact with the corners of the second componentB, and four second support fixturesmay be respectively in contact with the corners of the third componentC. By coming into contact with the plurality of second support fixturesat multiple points as described herein, the second componentB and the third componentC may be supported by the second support fixtureswhile simultaneously being constrained in their movement.

3 3 19 19 3 3 19 A groove may be formed in the portion of each of the second componentB and the third componentC, which is in contact with the second support fixture, and the upper portions of the second support fixturesmay be inserted into the grooves. The second componentB and the third componentC may be constrained in their horizontal movement by being caught on the second support fixturesfitted into the grooves.

3 3 10 10 20 10 5 3 3 2 2 13 FIG. Subsequently, with the second componentB and the third componentC loaded together on the pallet, the palletmay be transported to the third process position by the transfer conveyor. When the palletreaches the third process position, the plurality of battery cellsmay be accommodated and assembled in the second componentB and the third componentC, as indicated by the dash-double dotted line in. The second battery packB and the third battery packC may undergo further assembly processes to be simultaneously manufactured and completed.

17 1 2 3 17 2 10 5 11 FIGS.to According to the present disclosure, some of the support fixturesmay be moved to the inside and outside of each of the first region se, the second region se, and the third region seas shown in. By undergoing the process of changing the arrangement of the support fixturesas described herein, various battery packswith different specifications can be manufactured using the same pallet.

17 1 2 3 1 17 2 10 10 13 FIGS.to Further, according to the present disclosure, some of the support fixturespositioned in each of the first region se, the second region se, and the third region secan be slightly moved by a distance within the group setting distance d, as shown in. By undergoing the process of changing the arrangement of the support fixturesas described herein, various battery packswith different specifications can be manufactured using the same pallet.

14 FIG. is a main part perspective view schematically illustrating the support fixture moving device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

1 14 FIGS.and 30 31 32 33 34 35 Referring to, the support fixture moving devicemay include the fastening device, the gripper device, a moving device, a detection device, and a control device.

31 17 13 11 31 31 174 17 The fastening devicemay fasten or unfasten the support fixtureto or from the installation baseof the plateby rotating the support fixture. The fastening devicemay include a nutrunner. The fastening devicemay output a rotational force in the forward or reverse direction while being in contact and engaged with the rotation holding portionformed on the upper portion of the support fixture.

1 4 14 FIGS.,, and 31 311 312 313 Referring to, the fastening devicemay include a first support, a first actuator, and a socket.

311 31 312 313 311 334 33 311 334 The first supportis a device component of the fastening device, which forms a support frame configured to support the first actuatorand the socket. The first supportmay be installed on a third moving body(to be described herein) of the moving deviceto be movable up and down. The installation of the first supporton the third moving bodyto be movable is not limited to a specific structure or shape, including known techniques such as a linear guide that generates linear displacement, and thus, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

312 311 312 312 311 312 313 The first actuatormay be fixedly installed on the first supportand may output a forward rotational force and a reverse rotational force. The first actuatormay include a servo motor. The first actuatormay be installed to extend vertically, and may have a lower portion at which an output shaft (not shown) may be disposed. The first supportmay have a panel, block, or rod shape, and may be disposed to extend vertically in a manner capable of supporting the first actuatorand the socket.

313 31 312 17 313 312 313 174 17 31 174 313 The socketis a device component of the fastening device, which transmits the rotational force of the first actuatorto the support fixture. The socketmay be connected to the output shaft of the first actuator. The socketmay engage with the rotation holding portionof the support fixturewhen the fastening devicedescends. A downwardly open groove (not shown) with a size and cross-sectional shape corresponding to the rotation holding portionmay be formed in the socket.

174 313 174 313 312 17 174 When the rotation holding portionhas a polygonal cross-sectional shape, the groove of the socketmay have a corresponding polygonal cross-sectional shape. Since an inner surface of each of the rotation holding portionand the sockethas a cross-sectional shape other than a circular cross-sectional shape, the rotational force output from the first actuatormay be transmitted to the support fixturethrough the rotation holding portionwithout loss.

311 312 313 311 313 174 17 174 313 312 313 313 17 17 17 13 When the first supportdescends, the first actuatorand the socketalso descend with the same displacement as the first support, which allows the socketto engage with the rotation holding portionof the support fixture. At this time, the rotation holding portionmay be inserted and engaged with the groove formed in the socket. When the first actuatoroperates in the forward direction, the socketcan rotate in the forward direction, and a rotational force of the socketis transmitted to the support fixture, thereby allowing the support fixtureto rotate in the forward direction. The support fixturemay be screwed onto the installation basewhen rotated in the forward direction.

312 313 313 17 17 17 13 13 When the first actuatoroperates in the reverse direction, the socketcan rotate in the reverse direction, and a rotational force of the socketis transmitted to the support fixture, thereby allowing the support fixtureto rotate in the reverse direction. The support fixtureis rotated in the reverse direction to release the screw-fastening with the installation baseand may be separated from the installation base.

32 17 17 32 13 31 32 17 32 The gripper devicemay clamp or unclamp the support fixture. The support fixturemay be clamped by the gripper deviceafter being unfastened from the installation baseby the fastening deviceand may be moved to a desired set position while remaining clamped by the gripper device. In addition, the support fixturemay be unclamped by the gripper deviceafter reaching the desired set position.

1 4 14 FIGS.,, and 32 321 322 323 324 328 Referring to, the gripper devicemay include a second support, a second actuator, a guide block, a first gripper, and a second gripper.

321 32 321 322 323 324 328 321 33 321 33 311 The second supportis a device component of the gripper device, which forms a support frame that supports the second support, the second actuator, the guide block, the first gripper, and the second gripper. The second supportmay be installed on the moving device. The second supportmay be installed on the moving devicethrough the first support.

321 311 321 311 311 321 311 321 334 The second supportmay be fixedly installed on the first support. By fixedly installing the second supporton the first support, the first supportand the second supportmay be moved together with the same displacement. The first supportand the second supportmay be moved together with the same displacement when the third moving bodymoves.

311 321 31 32 321 311 31 32 313 324 328 The fact that the first supportand the second supportare moved vertically together with the same displacement means that the fastening deviceand the gripper deviceare moved together with the same displacement. By fixedly installing the second supporton the first support, the fastening deviceand the gripper devicemay be moved together with the same displacement. Accordingly, the socket, the first gripper, and the second grippermay always maintain the same relative positions and distances.

321 312 313 313 321 313 321 321 321 313 321 313 The second supportmay have a block shape, and may be disposed below the first actuatorto extend across the socketin the horizontal direction. A hole through which the socketmay pass may be formed in the second support, and the socketmay extend downwardly from the second supportby passing through the second supportthrough the hole. A clearance is provided between an edge of the hole in the second supportand the socketto ensure that the second supportdoes not interfere with the rotation of the socket.

324 328 324 328 175 17 321 313 323 324 328 313 324 328 323 175 17 As an extension length of each of the first gripperand the second gripperbecomes shorter, a gripping force acting on the first gripperand the second grippermay be transmitted more stably to the grip holding portionof the support fixture. By disposing the second supportat the position corresponding to the socketas described herein, the guide block, on which the first gripperand the second gripperare installed, can be positioned closer to a lower portion of the socket, and this arrangement can further reduce the extension length of each of the first gripperand the second gripper, extending from the guide blockto the grip holding portionof the support fixture.

322 321 322 322 324 328 The second actuatorhaving a block shape may come into surface-contact with and be fixedly installed on a side surface of the second support, and may output a hydraulic or pneumatic pressure. The second actuatormay include a pneumatic cylinder. The second actuatormay output a pressing force that moves the first gripperand the second grippercloser to or farther away from one another.

323 324 328 321 323 321 322 323 322 The guide blockmay be a device component on which the first gripperand the second gripperare installed, and may have a block shape and be mounted on the second support. The guide blockmay be installed on the second supportthrough the second actuator. The guide blockmay be brought into surface-contact with and fixedly installed on a bottom surface of the second actuator.

323 324 328 323 324 328 324 328 The guide blockmay movably support the first gripperand the second gripper. The guide blockmay have a rail (not shown) formed to guide a linear movement of the first gripperand the second gripper, and at least one of the first gripperand the second grippermay be installed to be movable along the rail.

324 328 323 313 324 328 322 The first gripperand the second grippermay be installed on the guide blockand may be disposed to face one another with the sockettherebetween. A distance between the first gripperand the second grippermay be varied by the operation of the second actuator.

324 328 323 324 328 An elastic member (not shown), which elastically presses the first gripperand the second gripperin directions away from one another, may be installed on the guide block. At least one of the first gripperor the second grippermay be installed while being elastically pressed by the elastic member.

322 323 324 328 324 328 324 328 17 When the second actuatoris operated (turned on), a hydraulic or pneumatic pressure acts on at least one of the guide block, the first gripper, and the second gripper, and at least one of the first gripperand the second grippermay move in a direction closer to the other one. As a result of this action, the first gripperand the second grippermay reduce a distance therebetween to clamp the support fixturetogether.

322 323 324 328 324 328 324 328 17 When the second actuatoris not operated (turned off), the hydraulic or pneumatic pressure does not act on at least one of the guide block, the first gripper, and the second gripper, and at least one of the first gripperand the second grippermay move in a direction away from the other one due to the elastic restoring force of the elastic member. As a result of this action, the first gripperand the second grippermay increase the distance therebetween to unclamp the support fixture.

324 325 326 327 The first grippermay include a block connection portion, an extension portion, and the gripping finger.

325 324 323 325 328 The block connection portionis a device component that forms an upper portion of the first gripper, and may be movably installed on the guide block. The block connection portionmay be installed to be reciprocally movable in a direction toward or away from the second gripper.

326 324 325 313 326 3261 3262 The extension portionis a device component that forms an intermediate portion of the first gripper, and may extend downwardly from the block connection portionto a lower side of the socket. The extension portionmay include a first extension portionextending horizontally and a second extension portionextending vertically.

3261 326 325 313 313 3261 313 3262 326 313 3261 3262 313 The first extension portionis a device component that forms an upper portion of the extension portion, and may extend rearward from the block connection portion, which is positioned in front of the socket, toward the socket. A rear end portion of the first extension portionmay be positioned on a left or right side of the socket. The second extension portionis a device component that forms a lower portion of the extension portion, and may extend downwardly parallel to the socketfrom the rear end portion of the first extension portion. The lower portion of the second extension portionmay be positioned below the socket.

326 326 313 313 31 32 313 17 326 17 17 As such, the extension portionmay have an “L” shape, with the upper portion extending horizontally and the lower portion extending vertically. Accordingly, the lower portion of the extension portionmay be positioned as close as possible to the socketand may extend downwardly parallel to the socket. Accordingly, when lowering the fastening deviceand the gripper devicetogether to perform a process of engaging the lower portion of the socketwith the support fixture, the extension portioncan be prevented from interfering with the adjacent support fixtureseven when the support fixturesare positioned close to one another.

327 324 17 326 327 313 175 17 313 174 17 327 175 175 The gripping fingeris a device component that forms a lower portion of the first gripper, and may have a shape capable of being in contact with at least a portion of a circumference of the support fixtureand be connected to the lower portion of the extension portion. The gripping fingermay be disposed below the socketand may be positioned to face the grip holding portionof the support fixturewhile the lower portion of the socketengages with the rotation holding portionof the support fixture. The portion of the gripping fingerthat faces the grip holding portionmay have an arc shape corresponding to a portion of a circumference of the grip holding portion.

176 174 175 17 327 175 327 176 327 175 17 176 327 17 327 327 The locking stepmay be formed between the rotation holding portionand the grip holding portionof the support fixture. In a state in which the gripping fingerclamps the grip holding portion, the upper portion of the gripping fingermay be caught on the locking step. In a state in which the gripping fingeris in contact with the grip holding portionto clamp the support fixture, the locking stepmay be seated over the upper portion of the gripping finger. Accordingly, the support fixturecan be constrained and prevented from sliding downwardly or separating from the gripping fingerwhile being clamped and moved by the gripping finger.

324 328 325 326 327 324 313 328 324 328 324 Similar to the first gripper, the second grippermay include the block connection portion, the extension portion, and the gripping finger, and may have a structure symmetrical to the first gripperwith respect to the socket. The second gripperhas a structure that is symmetrical and corresponding to that of the first gripper, and a detailed description of the structure and operation of the second gripperwill be replaced with the description for the first gripper.

33 17 32 1 2 10 33 31 32 The moving devicemay move the support fixture, which is gripped by the gripper device, to a first set position spor a second set position spon the pallet. The moving devicemay have a structure capable of moving the fastening deviceand the gripper devicein a first direction, a second direction, and a third direction that are mutually orthogonal to one another. The first direction may be the left-right direction, the second direction may be the front-rear direction, and the third direction may be an up-down direction.

1 14 FIGS.and 33 331 332 333 334 Referring to, the moving devicemay include a guide bar, a first moving body, a second moving body, and the third moving body.

331 331 10 331 331 10 331 10 The guide barmay be formed to extend in the first direction. The guide barmay be disposed above the pallet, may have a rod shape, and may be disposed as a pair parallel to one another. The pair of guide barsmay be formed to extend in the left-right direction. One of the pair of guide barsmay be disposed to extend in the left-right direction in front of the pallet. The other one of the pair of guide barsmay be disposed to extend in the left-right direction in the rear of the pallet.

332 331 332 331 332 331 The first moving bodymay be formed to extend in the second direction, and may be installed on the guide barto be movable in the first direction. The first moving bodymay have a rod shape that extends entirely in the front-rear direction, and may have a front end portion and a rear end portion that are movably connected to the pair of guide bars, respectively. The installation of the first moving bodyon the guide barsto be movable is not limited to a specific structure or shape, including known techniques such as a linear guide that generates linear displacement, and thus, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

333 332 333 332 333 332 The second moving bodymay be formed to extend in the third direction, and may be installed on the first moving bodyto be movable in the second direction. The second moving bodymay have a rod shape that extends entirely in the up-down direction, and may be connected to the first moving bodyto be movable up and down. The installation of the second moving bodyon the first moving bodyto be movable is not limited to a specific structure or shape, including known techniques such as a linear guide that generates linear displacement, and thus, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

334 31 32 34 334 333 31 32 34 334 The third moving bodyis a device component that forms a support frame configured to support the fastening device, the gripper device, and the detection device. The third moving bodymay be installed on the second moving bodyto be movable up and down in the third direction. The fastening device, the gripper device, and the detection devicemay be movably installed on the third moving body.

334 335 336 337 The third moving bodymay include an elevating body, a first rail, and a second rail.

335 334 333 336 34 335 337 31 32 335 337 336 The elevating bodyis a device component that forms a basic frame of the third moving body, and may be installed on the second moving bodyto be movable up and down in the third direction. The first railis a device component that guides the vertical movement of the detection device, and may be formed to extend vertically along one side portion of the elevating body. The second railis a device component that guides the vertical movement of the fastening deviceand the gripper device, and may be formed to extend vertically along the other side portion of the elevating body. The second railmay be disposed parallel to the first railwith a separation distance.

34 336 31 32 337 31 311 336 32 321 311 311 337 31 32 337 34 311 336 337 The detection devicemay be installed on the first railto be movable up and down. The fastening deviceand the gripper devicemay be installed together on the second railto be movable up and down. The fastening devicemay include the first supportthat is movably installed on the first rail, and the gripper devicemay include the second supportthat is installed on the first support. By installing the first supporton the second railto be movable up and down, the fastening deviceand the gripper devicecan also be installed together on the second railto be movable up and down. As described herein, the detection deviceand the first supportmay be separately manufactured and installed on the first railand the second rail, respectively, to be movable up and down.

34 17 34 336 335 311 34 336 Accordingly, even when an impact force acts on the detection devicedue to contact or collision with the support fixture, the impact force can be absorbed at the connection portion between the detection deviceand the first rail, thereby preventing the impact force from being transmitted to the elevating bodyand the first support. A cushioning member (not shown) capable of absorbing an impact force may be provided on the connection portion between the detection deviceand the first rail.

31 32 17 311 337 335 34 311 337 Further, even when an impact force acts on the fastening deviceor the gripper devicedue to contact or collision with the support fixture, the impact force can be absorbed at the connection portion between the first supportand the second rail, thereby preventing the impact force from being transmitted to the elevating bodyand the detection device. A cushioning member (not shown) capable of absorbing an impact force may be provided on the connection portion between the first supportand the second rail.

332 333 334 The installation of the first moving body, the second moving body, and the third moving bodyto be movable along the rail is not limited to a specific structure or shape, including known techniques such as linear guides that generate linear displacement, and thus a detailed description thereof is omitted. In addition, although the rail is illustrated in a recessed form in the drawings of the present disclosure, this is merely an example to illustrate a specific example of the rail and is not intended to be limiting. The rail of the present disclosure is not limited to a specific structure and shape, including a recessed form, a protruding form, the form of a linear rod, and the like.

34 17 10 34 2 31 32 34 17 34 The detection deviceis a device component that detects a position of the support fixturemounted on the pallet. The detection devicemay be disposed at a set distance din the front-rear direction from the fastening deviceand the gripper device. A contact sensor or a non-contact sensor may be selectively applied to the detection device. As an example, a contact sensor that is in direct contact with the support fixturemay be applied to the detection device.

34 34 34 17 34 17 By applying a contact sensor as the detection device, when the detection devicedescends, a lower portion of the detection devicecomes into direct contact with the support fixture, thereby minimizing detection errors or faults. As long as the detection devicecan detect the position of the support fixture, it is not limited to a specific structure or shape, including known technologies such as vision cameras, and thus, detailed descriptions of its structure and operation are omitted.

15 FIG. 16 21 FIGS.to is a flowchart illustrating a process of moving the support fixture from the first set position to the second set position using the support fixture moving device according to embodiments of the present disclosure, andare conceptual diagrams illustrating the process of moving the support fixture from the first set position to the second set position using the support fixture moving device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

35 31 32 33 35 31 32 33 2 35 2 2 2 31 32 33 17 2 2 2 The control devicemay control operations of the fastening device, the gripper device, and the moving device. The control devicemay control the operations of the fastening device, gripper device, and moving deviceaccording to pre-input information of the battery packor input commands. The control devicemay receive information or commands on which of the first battery packA, the second battery packB, and the third battery packC is being manufactured, and may control the operations of the fastening device, the gripper device, and the moving deviceso that the support fixturesare disposed to correspond to each of the first battery packA, the second battery packB, and the third battery packC.

35 17 34 31 32 33 35 34 17 1 35 31 32 33 17 1 17 2 17 2 15 FIG. Further, the control devicemay determine positions of the support fixturesbased on the detection information from the detection device, and may control the operations of the fastening device, the gripper device, and the moving device. Referring to, when the control devicedetects, through the detection device, that the support fixtureis positioned at the first set position sp, the control devicemay control the fastening device, the gripper device, and the moving deviceto unfasten the support fixtureat the first set position sp, move the support fixtureto the second set position sp, and fasten the support fixtureat the second set position sp.

35 31 32 33 17 1 34 17 31 17 32 17 11 17 2 17 11 The control devicemay control the operations of the fastening device, the gripper device, and the moving deviceto sequentially perform processes of detecting the support fixtureat the first set position spusing the detection device, unfastening the support fixtureusing the fastening device, gripping the support fixtureusing the gripper deviceto separate the support fixturefrom the plate, and moving the support fixtureto the second set position spto fasten the support fixtureto the plate.

17 1 34 1 2 3 4 The process of detecting the support fixtureon the first set position spusing the detection devicemay be performed sequentially through a first moving operation (S), a first descending operation (S), a support fixture detection operation (S), and a first ascending operation (S).

1 34 1 34 32 1 2 34 336 32 334 34 32 14 FIG. 16 FIG. 17 FIG. In the first moving operation (S), as shown in, the detection devicemay be positioned at the first set position sp. At this time, the detection deviceand the gripper devicemay be positioned at a first height h. In the first descending operation (S), as shown in, the detection deviceis lowered along the first railto be positioned below the gripper device, and as shown in, the third moving bodymay be lowered while the detection deviceremains positioned below the gripper device.

34 336 34 2 334 34 32 34 3 34 334 34 336 34 1 3 With the detection devicelowered along the first rail, the detection devicemay be positioned at a second height h. By further lowering the third moving bodywhile keeping the detection devicepositioned below the gripper deviceas described herein, the detection devicemay be lowered to a third height h. At this time, the detection devicemay have a descending displacement equal to a sum of a distance by which the third moving bodyis lowered and a distance by which the detection deviceis lowered along the first rail. The detection devicemay be lowered from the first height hto the third height hthrough the multi-stage descending process as described herein.

34 334 336 331 34 334 1 34 336 By connecting the detection deviceto the third moving bodythrough the first railin a manner that allows vertical movement, the guide barcan be positioned at a lower height from the ground compared to an embodiment in which the detection deviceis integrally fixed and connected to the third moving body. This arrangement can reduce the overall vertical (up-down) height of the battery pack assembly unitaccording to the present disclosure. Accordingly, the process can be easily inspected by a worker with the naked eye, thereby facilitating easier maintenance and management and allowing the impact force acting on the detection deviceto be absorbed at the connection portion with the first rail.

34 3 17 1 3 34 17 17 1 4 34 336 334 333 1 34 334 17 FIG. The detection device, which has been lowered to the third height h, may be in contact with the support fixturepositioned at the first set position sp. In the support fixture detection operation (S), as shown in, the detection deviceis brought into contact with the support fixtureto detect that the support fixtureis positioned at the first set position sp. In the first ascending operation (S), the detection devicemay be raised along the first rail, and the third moving bodymay be raised along the second moving bodyto return to the first height h. At this time, the movement of the detection deviceand the movement of the third moving bodymay be performed sequentially, in reverse order, or simultaneously.

17 31 17 32 17 11 5 6 7 8 9 Processes of unfastening the support fixtureusing the fastening device, gripping the support fixtureusing the gripper device, and separating support fixturefrom the platemay be performed sequentially through a device exchange operation (S), a second descending operation (S), an unfastening operation (S), a clamping operation (S), and a second ascending operation (S).

5 31 32 2 1 5 333 2 332 333 2 31 32 34 2 5 32 1 In the device exchange operation (S), the fastening deviceand the gripper devicemay be moved rearward by the set distance dto be positioned at the first set position sp. The device exchange operation (S) may be performed by moving the second moving bodyrearward by the set distance dalong the first moving body. When the second moving bodyis moved rearward by the set distance d, the fastening device, the gripper device, and the detection devicemay be moved rearward together by the set distance d. In a state in which the device exchange operation (S) is completed, the gripper devicemay be positioned at the first height h.

6 31 32 337 34 334 31 32 34 18 FIG. 19 FIG. In the second descending operation (S), as shown in, the fastening deviceand the gripper devicemay be lowered along the second railto be positioned below the detection device, and as shown in, the third moving bodymay be further lowered with the fastening deviceand the gripper devicepositioned below the detection device.

311 337 31 32 337 31 32 337 31 32 2 334 31 32 34 31 32 3 31 32 31 32 337 334 31 32 1 3 By lowering the first supportalong the second rail, the fastening deviceand the gripper devicemay be lowered along the second rail. In the state in which the fastening deviceand the gripper deviceare lowered along the second rail, the fastening deviceand the gripper devicemay be positioned at the second height h. By further lowering the third moving bodywith the fastening deviceand the gripper devicepositioned below the detection deviceas described herein, the fastening deviceand the gripper devicemay be lowered to the third height h. At this time, the fastening deviceand the gripper devicemay have a descending displacement equal to a sum of a distance by which the fastening deviceand the gripper deviceare lowered along the second railand a distance by which the third moving bodyis lowered. The fastening deviceand the gripper devicemay be lowered from the first height hto the third height hthrough the multi-stage descending process as described herein.

31 32 334 337 331 31 32 334 1 31 32 337 By connecting the fastening deviceand the gripper deviceto the third moving bodythrough the second railin a manner that allows vertical movement as described herein, the guide barcan be positioned at a lower height from the ground compared to an embodiment in which the fastening deviceand the gripper deviceare integrally fixed and connected to the third moving body. This arrangement can reduce the overall vertical (up-down) height of the battery pack assembly unitaccording to the present disclosure. Accordingly, the process can be easily inspected by the operator with the naked eye, thereby facilitating easier maintenance and management and allowing the impact force acting on the fastening deviceand the gripper deviceto be absorbed at the connection portion with the second rail.

31 3 17 1 7 31 17 17 31 17 13 1 8 17 32 19 FIG. The fastening device, which has been lowered to the third height h, may be in contact with the support fixturepositioned at the first set position sp. In the unfastening operation (S), as shown in, the fastening devicemay be brought into contact with the support fixture, and a reverse rotational force may be applied to the support fixtureusing the fastening deviceto unfasten the support fixturefrom the installation basepositioned at the first set position sp. In the clamping operation (S), the support fixturemay be clamped using the gripper device.

9 311 337 334 333 1 311 334 20 FIG. In the second ascending operation (S), the first supportmay be raised along the second rail, and the third moving bodymay be raised along the second moving bodyto return to the first height h, as shown in. At this time, the movement of the first supportand the movement of the third moving bodymay occur sequentially, in reverse order, or simultaneously.

17 2 17 11 10 11 12 13 Processes of moving the support fixtureto the second set position spand fastening the support fixtureto the platemay be performed sequentially through a second moving operation (S), a third descending operation (S), an unclamping operation (S), and a fastening operation (S).

10 17 2 2 1 333 332 17 1 2 333 31 32 34 10 32 1 In the second moving operation (S), the support fixturemay be moved to the second set position sp. The second set position spmay be positioned on front of the first set position sp. By moving the second moving bodyforward along the first moving body, the support fixturemay be moved from the first set position spto the second set position sp. When the second moving bodyis moved forward, the fastening device, the gripper device, and the detection devicemay also be moved forward together. In a state in which the second moving operation (S) is completed, the gripper devicemay be positioned at the first height h.

11 31 32 337 34 334 31 32 34 21 FIG. In the third descending operation (S), the fastening deviceand the gripper devicemay be lowered along the second railto be positioned below the detection device, and as shown in, the third moving bodymay be further lowered with the fastening deviceand the gripper devicepositioned below the detection device.

311 337 31 32 337 31 32 337 31 32 2 334 31 32 34 31 32 3 By lowering the first supportalong the second rail, the fastening deviceand the gripper devicemay be lowered along the second rail. When the fastening deviceand the gripper deviceare lowered along the second rail, the fastening deviceand the gripper devicemay be positioned at the second height h. By further lowering the third moving bodywith the fastening deviceand the gripper devicepositioned below the detection deviceas described herein, the fastening deviceand the gripper devicemay be lowered to the third height h.

31 32 31 32 337 334 311 334 31 32 1 3 At this time, the fastening deviceand the gripper devicemay have a descending displacement equal to a sum of a distance by which the fastening deviceand the gripper deviceare lowered along the second railand a distance by which the third moving bodyis lowered. The movement of the first supportand the movement of the third moving bodymay occur sequentially, in reverse order, or simultaneously. The fastening deviceand the gripper devicemay be lowered from the first height hto the third height hthrough the multi-stage descending process as described herein.

31 32 3 17 13 2 12 17 32 13 17 13 17 31 17 13 2 21 FIG. When the fastening deviceand the gripper deviceare lowered to the third height h, the support fixturemay come into contact with and seated on the installation basepositioned at the second set position sp. In the unclamping operation (S), the support fixturemay be unclamped using the gripper device. In the fastening operation (S), with the support fixtureseated on the installation base, a forward rotational force may be applied to the support fixtureusing the fastening deviceto fasten the support fixtureto the installation basepositioned at the second set position sp, as shown in.

17 17 2 By repeatedly performing the herein control process for the plurality of support fixtures, the positions of the support fixturescan be varied and adjusted according to the model of the battery packto be manufactured.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a position of a support fixture installed on a pallet can be automatically adjusted using a support fixture moving device to match a model of a battery pack to be manufactured. Accordingly, battery packs of different models can be manufactured on a single battery pack production line corresponding to an extended path of a transfer conveyor, while further reducing a process defect rate, shortening working time, and preventing safety accidents caused by the dropping of the support fixture during manual operation compared to when an operator manually changes the position of the support fixture.

Further, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a support fixture can be fastened to or unfastened from an installation base using a fastening device of a support fixture moving device, the support fixture can be clamped or unclamped using a gripper device, and the fastening device, the gripper device, and the support fixture can be moved to a desired position using a moving device. Accordingly, based on a model of a battery pack to be produced, the support fixture can be automatically removed and assembled at the desired position using the support fixture moving device.

However, the effects obtainable through the present disclosure are not limited to the herein effects, and other technical effects that are not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description of the present disclosure.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference to embodiments shown in the drawings, these embodiments are merely illustrative and it should be understood that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments can be derived by those skilled in the art on the basis of the embodiments.

Therefore, the technical scope of the present disclosure should be defined by the appended claims.